5 Qualities Of A Great Coach

DanPeterson

CLARITY
This involves talking to his team, to his staff, to his organization, to the mass media. With his team, it involves explaining his strategy (overall game plan) and his tactics (short-range changes on the fly); it involves explaining skills and drills; it involves explaining offenses and defenses. He avoids being misunderstood or wrongly interpreted. He keeps it clear and simple.

PREPARATION
That is, he is READY for anything. In basketball, that means he has a clear idea of what to do if he’s ahead or if he’s behind. He knows what to do if the opponent hits him with a zone or with a press. He has a substitution philosophy. He is ready for any game disaster. There is no guesswork involved. He has thought it out ahead of time and is never surprised.

FLEXIBILITY
Yes, he may have his philosophy, his method, his systems. But, if he has to throw those out the window for one entire season and go with what fits his team, that’s what he does. He is, as they say, a humble tailor, cutting and sewing the suit to fit his client. It’s not “My way or the Highway.” It’s “Let’s do it the right way.” With that, he bends … but does not break.

DECISION
That is, he is DECISIVE. He must trasmit security to his team, and not insecurity. He can’t be sending this message: “Let’s hope this works.” Or, “Let’s try this.” He has to say: “We are going to do this. If we do it right, it will work. But this is what we have to do.” He leaves no doubt. If a coach has doubts, his team will reflect that in the game and that spells disaster.

CREATIVITY
That may mean a different lineup, a new play, a new practice plan, or a multitude of other things. The key is this: He is constantly thinking and tinkering. His mind is always open, always looking for something new and better. He may even invent something through that process, though that is not an imperative. What matters is that his creative juices are always flowing.

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